For followers of the ‘Howling’ franchise, navigating the chronological viewing experience is straightforward as the majority of the entries are numerically sequenced. It’s advisable to watch the films in the order they were released:
- “The Howling” (1981)
- “Howling II: Your Sister is a Werewolf” also known as “Howling II: Stirba — Werewolf B*tch” (1985)
- “Howling III: The Marsupials” (1987)
- “Howling IV: The Original Nightmare” (1988)
- “Howling V: Rebirth” (1989)
- “Howling VI: The Freaks” (1991)
- “Howling: New Moon Rising” alternatively titled “Howling VII: Mystery Woman” (1995)
- “The Howling: Reborn” (2011)
In the year 2020, the industry buzzed with the announcement of a “The Howling” remake in the pipeline, with “The Flash” director Andy Muschietti at the helm. Nevertheless, updates on this project have since been scarce.
It’s worth noting that the ‘Howling’ movie series takes inspiration from Gary Brandner’s collection of werewolf novels. Those aiming for the full werewolf saga experience may choose to delve into the novels “The Howling” (1977), “The Howling II” (1979), and “The Howling III: Echoes” (1985).
Philippe Mora, the acclaimed Australian filmmaker responsible for “Mad Dog Morgan” and “The Return of Captain Invincible”, directed the second and third installments of the ‘Howling’ series. Despite the common directorial hand, these films diverge notably in their thematic approach. “Howling II” is an intriguing blend of sensuality and horror set in Eastern Europe, featuring Christopher Lee and Sybil Danning as the formidable Stirba, queen of the werewolves. Contrastingly, “Howling III” brings forth a more subdued PG-13 narrative, weaving a tale around a species akin to the vanished Australian thylacine, or the Tasmanian wolf, in an ecologically themed script.
“Howling IV” earned its subtitle “The Original Nightmare” not for its connection to Dante’s original 1981 piece, but for its fidelity to Brandner’s book. Screenplay contributor Clive Turner not only helped pen “Howling IV” but also made an on-screen appearance as the tow truck operator. This cameo later gained significance as Turner’s character recurs in subsequent sequels, revealing the importance of his role.
FAQs About Watching the Howling Movies
Q: Do I need to watch the Howling movies in order?
A: While it’s not essential for understanding the plot, it is recommended to watch the Howling movies in release order for the best experience.
Q: Are the Howling movies based on novels?
A: Yes, the movies are inspired by Gary Brandner’s werewolf novel series, which includes “The Howling” (1977), “The Howling II” (1979), and “The Howling III: Echoes” (1985).
Q: Is there a Howling movie remake in development?
A: As of 2020, a remake was announced with Andy Muschietti attached as director, but there hasn’t been any updated information since then.
Conclusion
Whether you are new to the “Howling” franchise or revisiting the series, following the release order provides a seamless narrative experience. The films offer a diverse range of themes and styles, reflecting the varied source material and creative direction. With the announcement of a potential remake, fans may have more werewolf-centric storytelling to look forward to in the future. Until any updates are announced, immersing oneself in the chilling world of the existing “Howling” films, or even reading the novels they are based on, can satiate the appetite for lycanthropic lore.